American Short Lines: Coming Together to Rebuild America

The North American railway industry remains optimistic, despite the markets showing a sluggish 2016 and slow start to 2017.

So optimistic, in fact, that a record number of over 450 showed up this year on March 2nd to rally on Capitol Hill, in Washington for the 18th annual Railroad Day.

"Hundreds of citizen-lobbyists advocated on issues from balanced regulation, to sensible tax reform including permanence of the 45G tax credit that spurs rail investment, to the holding of truck size and weight at current levels," said ASLRRA President Linda Darr. "Short line railroads extend the national rail network by connecting rail service to local economies and building jobs in America's industrial and agricultural heartland." ~ Progressive Railroading Magazine

There are many woes, but the key point seems to be the Building Rail Access for Customers and the Economy (BRACE) Act. The legislation calls for permanent 45G tax credits that expired at the end of 2016. This credit helped short lines and regionals invest almost 4 billion of private dollars into rail infrastructure.

Steeped in the tradition of hard work and building trust in customer relationships, ZTR feels the pinch of the short line and regional railroads. Our services are tailor-made for resiliency. Our products scream modernization instead of buying new. We are preserving the American Legacy and eager to work with you to improve your business. You can count on ZTR for reliability, maintainability and connectivity.